It appeared demolition workers accidentally started the fire. It erupted while crews were on their lunch break.

The old Value City discount store closed eight years ago. The furniture part of the business moved to a different location in November.

One section of the building is being renovated for a tech school as part of the Clarksville Community School Corporation. It did not sustain any damage.

Smoke could be seen for several miles and wind pushed smoke toward a nearby neighborhood.

"The Fire Department did issue a protect in place in the neighborhood directly behind this structure as a precaution," said Clarksville Fire Marshal Brent Wilson.

Just before the blaze broke out, crews were cutting steel supports.

"What we believe likely occurred, during that an ember dropped down on one of the debris piles and smoldered and that's what initiated the fire department call," said Allen Muncy with ARC Construction Management.